Melfa Lawyers

Thea Paolini became an attorney because she believes in the processes put in place which govern this country. She has a deep desire to use the law to attain justice for her clients and is guided by uncompromising ethics. She is also an advocate for the advancement of women in business and legal positions of power. A true generalist, Thea is an adaptable, well-rounded attorney who strives to empower her clients to solve their problems efficiently. Thea began her career as a small business owner—starting a floral design business immediately after receiving her undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College....

Wayne M. Zell, Esq. is the founder of Zell Law. He has spent his legal, public accounting and business advisory career counseling clients in a broad range of industries, including technology companies of all types and investor groups, as well as non-profit organizations. His clients also include for-profit and non-profit executives, service providers and high-net worth individuals.

Mr. Zell has extensive experience in representing clients in complex estate planning and business planning matters. In estate planning matters, Mr. Zell routinely advises clients in structuring and preparing intricate revocable and irrevocable trusts, basic estate planning (i.w., wills, medical directives and powers...

I practice in the areas of family law, guardianships & conservatorships, estate planning, and estate administration. My clients are my first priority and I focus on achieving the best outcome possible for them. I am well-versed in a full range of legal services including litigation, agreements, mediation, and collaborative divorce.

David has been in practice nearly 25 years, 20 of which were in Ohio before he relocated to Virginia. In his earlier years of private practice, David’s primary focus was business law, criminal law, and consumer law. In 2021, David moved to Virginia and continued his career as a Public Defender serving as Senior Trial Attorney with the Fredericksburg Public Defender. There, he represented clients charged with felony crimes in Stafford County, Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg. As lead or co-counsel, he has tried over 25 felony jury trials including 7 murder trials to verdict with 2 death penalty trials to...

Attorney Dagoberto J. Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Rodriguez Law Firm. He is licensed to practice law in the state courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Eastern District Court of Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Rodriguez is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Furthermore, Attorney Rodriguez has been selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as a Top 100 Lawyer in Virginia and has been awarded the prize of Top 40 under 40.

Mr. Rodriguez, was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He attended Universidad Santa...

Alexander Francuzenko is a founding partner in the law firm of Cook Craig & Francuzenko, PLLC. Mr. Francuzenko is a graduate of T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. While in law school, he interned for the United States Magistrate Judge David G. Lowe of the Eastern District of Virginia, and subsequently clerked for the Circuit Court of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.

Mr. Francuzenko has been engaged in the practice of law for over 23 years, focusing on litigation. He is a member of the Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland Bars, and actively practices in the state...

Philip C. Krone concentrates his practice in employment law, civil litigation, and civil rights litigation.

Mr. Krone is licensed to practice law in Virginia and the District of Columbia. He is a member of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, Virginia Bar Association, and the Fairfax Bar Association. While Mr. Krone’s practice covers the general span of civil litigation issues, he is often litigating business disputes, contract disputes, wage cases, and personal injury cases in the Circuit and General District Courts of Northern Virginia as well as the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Mr. Krone has had success in...

Ghaderi Law Firm, PLLC is an immigration and naturalization law firm based in McLean, Virginia. With our extensive legal experience and knowledge, we take pride in our ability to resolve even the most complex immigration issues. Get in touch with us for a consultation.

Andrew Rudolphi is a Trial Attorney and a member of the Virginia State Bar. Prior to starting Rudolphi Law PLLC in 2019, Mr. Rudolphi was senior associate at a northern Virginia law practice since 2013. Over the duration of his career in practice, Mr. Rudolphi has conducted numerous trials and has litigated countless matters, maintaining a results-oriented approach for his clients.

Before attending The Catholic University Columbus School of Law, Mr. Rudolphi was employed as a paralegal at the D.C. office of the international law firm, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP. There he received his initial training in private practice as...

George Hawkins focuses his practice on business representation, civil litigation, and all matters affecting real estate. He represents buyers, sellers, and developers in all phases of residential and commercial real estate transactions. He also advises and counsels businesses in all aspects ranging from the formation, acquisition, and management of the business entity. George is AV®-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer-Review Ratings, the highest rating available for excellence in legal ethics and practice. George has served on NVAR’s standard forms committee since 2011 and is the 2015 Chair of that committee. He is often asked to speak to members of the real...

I believe in taking a client-centered approach to the practice of law. I want to make sure that you as a client are seen and heard, and that your concerns are fully addressed every time we connect. I also believe in taking a measured and efficient approach to advocacy, one that maximizes your resources and time. It gives me great satisfaction to assist clients with their estate planning matters. I want to make sure that you and your loved ones are kept at ease when planning for the future. In addition to estate planning, I handle probate and estate administration matters,...

Attorney Rana Sneij Syriani is an experienced (Immigration, Family & Traffic Attorney), representing clients at the Law offices of American Lawyers Group, PLLC. She has extensive experience in the area of divorce law (contested and uncontested), child custody, child support, adoption, spousal support, property division and settlement and post judgment modifications and name changes and many other family law cases as listed below. Ms. Syriani will represent you, if you live in one of the following Virginia counties: Fairfax , Falls Church, Arlington, Loudoun, Vienna, Warren, King George, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Prince William County, Culpeper and Stafford. Ms. Syriani...

Joseph H. Beale has been providing exceptional legal services for individuals and families in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia for more than twenty years. Every client is important and with you he will develop a client centered strategy that fits your unique circumstances in order to meet your goals and achieve the best possible outcome for you in a cost effective, ethical and efficient manner. He believes in building strong and lasting relationships with clients based on trust, open communication and delivering results. He has a solid reputation as a skilled litigator and negotiator, earning a perfect 10...

I have been a practicing trial lawyer since 1985. I founded my firm, Abrams Landau, Ltd., in 1989 in remembrance and honor of my father, Norman J. Landau and grandfather William L Abrams, and their ongoing dedication to serving their clients. Originally located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Abrams Landau is now based in the historic district of Herndon, Virginia. Unlike large, sterile and impersonal law firms, we are proud to be housed in a fully accessible, renovated 100-year old home which provides our clients with a comfortable space in which to meet with us. ...

Since 2002 Clint Sellers has used practical legal advice to protect families and small businesses. He focuses on real estate, civil trials, wills and small business matters and is an authority on the use of estate planning techniques for wealth preservation and succession planning. Clint’s clients range from young families to retirees, professionals, entrepreneurs and estate representatives and beneficiaries. He strives to always deal fairly and help clients resolve disputes without unnecessary expense or litigation. Clint is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts, as well as Federal courts. He regularly appears in District and...

William D. Ashwell is a career litigator and advocate who has built a regional and statewide reputation for assisting clients in the most serious of situations and in high profile matters. A native of Warrenton, Mr. Ashwell has solidified himself as a leader in the field of civil and criminal litigation and beyond. A steadfast believer in giving back to the community, Mr. Ashwell balances his time between his family and giving back to the community that he calls home. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Dayton School of Law, Mr. Ashwell serves Northern Virginia, Piedmont region,...

Michael T. Trent is an experienced attorney with an active practice including criminal defense, general civil litigation including personal injury, and estate planning including wills and estates. His love for our Southside Virginia community is deep, with not only his growing up in Charlotte County, but with the vast majority of his family having called all different parts of Southside home. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Lynchburg College, Mike received his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. He then decided to come home to Southside, and...

Mark Petrovich obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1985, and graduated from George Mason University School of Law in 1993. He has more than 26 years of experience, having practiced in many Virginia courts (with a concentration in Fairfax and Northern Virginia), the District of Columbia and Federal Courts (licensed on all three jurisdictions).

Mr. Petrovich focuses his practice on criminal defense. This includes Reckless Driving, DUI/DWI, Larceny Offenses, Drug Offenses, Sex Offenses, Assault/Battery and Malicious Wounding Offenses, Robberies, Murders, every level of Juvenile Offenses and others. Mr. Petrovich, along with his partner,...

Britt is the Vice President of Schneider & Williams, P.C. Originally from Georgia, she graduated from Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. Britt then went on to attend Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia. There, Britt chaired as Vice President of the Student Government Association, the Campus Events Organization, and a community service society unique to Sweet Briar. She also enjoyed the opportunity to captain the Women’s Varsity Lacrosse team. Britt graduated Sweet Briar College with a BA in Sociology with a minor in Religion.

Following graduation, Britt attended Samford University’s Cumberland School of...

Ward Armstrong has been practicing law for nearly 40 years. Now he and his daughter, Courtney Armstrong, practice together as The Armstrong Law Firm. The Armstrong Law Firm offers representation for cases of all types including criminal defense and drunk driving, personal injury from motor vehicle accidents, divorce and child custody, elder law and estate planning, including wills, and general civil matters. Don’t be strong-armed in the courtroom – hire The Armstrong Law Firm today!

Cheryl Watson Smith JD, has been in the private practice of law in Roanoke, Virginia since 1988 and practices in the area of family law, including complex property matters. Through the Collaborative Divorce Process, mediation, and negotiated settlements, she assists families in resolving disputes without going to court.

Ms. Smith is passionate about the Collaborative Divorce Process as an alternative to court battles for families in conflict. She is committed to expanding the use of the Collaborative Divorce Process by developing her own Collaborative Practice skills and training other professionals in the Collaborative Process. Ms. Smith is on the faculty...

Daniel L. Crandall is the founding partner of The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates. He has been engaged in the practice of law since 1979. The focus of his practice is exclusively plaintiff personal injury law . He has become known in Southwest Virginia as the caring personal injury professional. He was privileged to be named twice as the Best Local Lawyer by the readers of The Roanoker Magazine and the Firm has won multiple awards for Best Law Firm by the same publication. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1973 and from the...

I have over 35 years of experience representing Virginia clients in medical malpractice, long-term care litigation, serious personal injury litigation, and complex commercial litigation. In my practice I have represented individuals and businesses throughout Virginia, including in state and federal court.

Jennifer devotes herself to the practice of U.S. immigration and nationality law. As an immigration lawyer, she represents clients in a variety of immigration matters - including providing guidance on applying for work authorization, permanent residency, and U.S. citizenship. She also defends individuals in deportation and removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts. As the daughter of an immigrant, her family’s diverse, multicultural heritage inspired her to pursue a profession where she could help others pursue their livelihood in the United States. Jennifer's law firm is based in Roanoke, Virginia where she lives with her husband Rob and...

Joe Pricone is a trial lawyer with experience representing clients charged with a range of criminal charges from murder to reckless driving in Virginia and federal court. Whether your case is a felony, misdemeanor, or traffic infraction, Joe will fight for you at trial, in negotiation, and at all stages of representation. Joe has a track record of success and designs legal strategies tailored to each individual case with the goal of winning each case.

Andrew P. Hill is a founding partner and attorney with Mata & Hill PLC, a full-service civil law firm serving the beautiful northern Shenandoah Valley. Mr. Hill concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, estate planning and administration, litigation, and business.

Mr. Hill received his undergraduate degrees from Northwestern University and his law degree from the College of William and Mary. Prior to forming Mata & Hill PLC, he worked with small but highly-respected law firms in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.

Mr. Hill is licensed to practice law in the state courts of Virginia,...

Vincent J. Mata attended the University of Notre Dame and the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum for undergraduate studies in the classical humanities. He obtained a Master's degree at The Catholic University of America in philosophy, and earned his Juris Doctor at George Mason University School of Law, now Antonin Scalia Law School. Vincent is a founding partner and attorney at Mata & Hill PLC. He focuses his practice primarily on estate and elder law issues. Mata & Hill PLC additionally offers real estate, business, and civil litigation services, and serves clients throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Steve was part of the National Legal Research Group in Charlottesville where he has practiced since 1999. As a Senior Attorney there, Steve worked with numerous attorneys around the country conducting legal research, writing, and analysis while advising his attorney-clients on a variety of complex subjects. In that capacity, Steve has prepared literally thousands of legal memoranda and appellate briefs, including multiple filings with the Supreme Court of Virginia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Steve completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia in 1996 and received...

John E. Lichtenstein is a founding member of Lichtenstein Law Group PLC. Over 28 years of practice, he has tried to verdict and successfully resolved through negotiation hundreds of cases involving severe, life-altering injury and wrongful death. Among Mr. Lichtenstein’s trials and settlements are multiple individual results exceeding one million dollars. He and the firm, along with co-counsel, have secured some of the largest jury verdicts and settlements in Virginia. Mr. Lichtenstein’s injury and wrongful death cases involve defective products, medical malpractice, automobile and tractor- trailer crashes, traumatic brain injury and other settings. Often, his cases concern complex liability and...

Herbert Maxey has been represented individuals injured by others for over 40 years. Let Mr. Maxey's experience work for you if you or a family member have been injured by the negligence of a reckless driver of a car, truck or other vehicle. Mr. Maxey has also represented many families after the loss of a loved one by the careless actions of other drivers.Mr. Maxey has represented clients in: Albemarle County Altavista Amelia County Amherst County Appomattox County Buckingham County Campbell County Charlotte County Charlottesville Cumberland County Farmville Fluvanna County Halifax County Lunenburg County Lynchburg Mecklenburg County...

Buta Biberaj was born in Montenegro and is of Albanian parentage. She was raised in the Bronx borough of New York City. She graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Education in 1987 and received her Juris Doctorate (JD) from the George Mason University School of Law in 1993. Buta is licensed to practice in the State Courts for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland and New York. She is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Buta’s involvement in the community is evidenced by her participation and service which include being a mentor for...

William "Ben" Mann is an experienced Virginia defense attorney who has devoted his career to protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Mann has handled a wide variety of criminal case types including felonies, DUI defense, drug cases, assault cases, domestic violence cases, as well as reckless driving cases. Mr. Mann is a member of the State Bar of Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2010. Mr. Mann was named a top 100 trial lawyer by National Trial Lawyers in 2014, as well as to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

I live and work in the community in which I was born and raised. I am a graduate of Virginia Tech and the University of Baltimore, School of Law. After nearly a decade as a Senior Prosecutor in the Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, I now bring my vast trial experience and knowledge of the law into private practice. I have tried hundreds of cases, including the most serious crimes known in the law like Murder, Abduction, Rape, Robbery and Arson. Whether charged with a crime as an adult or juvenile, or whether you are the victim...